The Hill's Wrestling team had an impressive showing at the National Prep Wrestling Championship held at Lehigh University on February 21-22, 2025. Five student-athletes earned All-American honors, including the first female All-American wrestler in Hill history! Congratulations to Cole Albert '25 (5th Place, 150 lbs.); Dante Donaldson '25 (8th Place, HWT); Lexi Lubczenko '25 (3rd Place, 185 lbs.); Arment Waltenbaugh '26 (3rd Place, 157 lbs.); and Zak Zindle '25 (8th Place, 215 lbs.). The performance at National Preps demonstrates the team's growth and potential for future success. 

Lexi Lubczenko’s win was a historic moment for her and Hill Wrestling. While she acknowledged the pressure she experienced on the road to this year's National Preps, she described being named an All-American wrestler as "one of the best moments of my life.”

While wrestling has traditionally been a boys’ sport in the U.S., there has been a rise in females taking to the mat. She would love to see more girls go out for wrestling as “it is unbelievably fun, empowering, and an incredible bonding experience for young women.”

Lubczenko is thankful to Hill’s coaching staff and her family - especially her mom and sister -  for their support during her time at Hill and hopes to continue at the next level and vie for another All-American Honor. 

She, along with the entire graduating class of wrestlers, has left their mark on Hill Wrestling with a strong performance at National Preps, which is arguably one of the toughest high school post-season events to win.

Robert Pavlek ’25 dropped his opening bout to the #4 seed before reeling off four straight wins to advance to the blood round. He showed real grit and toughness to make it that far. Unfortunately, he lost his medal round match in overtime and fell short of becoming a two-time National Prep All-American. 

Conlan Boyer ’25, whom Coach Dave Hoffman ’01 called “the best captain and leader I have ever had in my seven years here at Hill,” will leave the program as a two-time National Prep qualifier and his voice will be greatly missed in the locker room. 

Coach Hoffman considers Zak Zindle ’25, “one of the most talented wrestlers” that he has ever coached at any level. He noted, “It was a great season for Zak, and I am really proud of him for finishing his career as a National Prep All-American.” 

Dante Donaldson ’25 stands as one of the most improved wrestlers over his time at Hill. Dante was the program’s only wrestler to place at every single event that he entered and had an unbelievable finish to an amazing career. 

Dysen Neill ’25 is a “gritty competitor that always gave his best effort.” He will continue his athletic career playing baseball at Gettysburg College.